Exercise caution on Christmas morning when dealing with little kids and new toys

Little kids all over the state will likely be well awake before their parents tomorrow morning, tearing open presents with the utmost of glee. Officials with the Arizona Department of Health Services said parents need to make sure their children are kept safe from any hazardous toys.

BY CORBIN CARSON

Dec 24, 2015, 5:00 AM

Follow on Google News

(AP Photo)

Little kids all over the state will likely be well awake before their parents tomorrow morning, tearing open presents with the utmost of glee.

Officials with the Arizona Department of Health Services said parents need to make sure their children are kept safe from any hazardous toys.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said parents should be well aware of the functionality of the presents they are gifting to their children.

“Make sure that you’re aware of the toys that you’re giving and what the danger to your children could be from those toys,” she said.

Christ said to always follow the age guidelines when buying toys. Toys developed for those that are under 3 are going to have bigger pieces to prevent choking or suffocating.

“The best thing to do is to immediately pick up those things that either have small parts or wrapping or anything that could pose a swallowing danger or a suffocation danger,” she said. “Get them up out of their reach and put them away immediately.”

Other things to consider when giving toys to kids are making sure the directions and instructions are understood and looking for quality construction of the toy.

“You’re going to want to look for small parts on toys, things like batteries and magnets or wrapping around the product,” Christ said. “If you’re giving a bike or scooter or skateboard, always make sure that giving an additional gift of a helmet and knee-pads and elbow-pads.”

Falls from those types of toys can result in severe injuries, especially head injuries if their heads are not protected, she said.